Yaya Toure and Sadio Mane make the BBC African Footballer of the Year shortlist

Congratulations on their nomination 

They've made Africa proud.  For the second time in a row, Taya Toure has made the list of BBC African player of the year.  Just hoping Sadie wins this time around.

BBC have released their official shortlist of the continent's best, with a few surprise inclusions.

As is tradition, the BBC select five African footballers each year to be held up to the public vote.

Fans are invited to decide which of the individuals they believe has been the strongest performing over the previous 12 months.

Liverpool hotshot Sadio Mane, who has six goals in 11 games for the Reds since making a big money move from Southampton, is an expected name on the list.

So too is current Premier League player of the year Rihad Mahrez, whose formidable 2015-16 campaign helped propel Leicester City to the most remarkable of achievements as they became champions of England for the first time in their history.

But, rather surprisingly, a place is also reserved for Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure despite the Ivorian having limited impact over the past 12 months.

Toure, who has been named African Footballer of the Year on four occasions, has found himself no longer able to get into City's side.

The powerful midfielder has only seen football action once in the last six months, and is widely expected to bring his time at the Etihad Stadium to an end.

In September, Toure announced his retirement from international football, after winning 113 caps, meaning the midfielder can now only be judged on his domestic form.